Tyson Says Plant Protein is Key to Food Security

CEO Tom Hayes explains that the meat company is looking to plant-based proteins to feed a growing world population.

During a recent episode of the "North Carolina Public Radio" show, Tyson Foods CEO Tom Hayes revealed that he is enthusiastic about the growth of plant-based protein. When host Kai Ryssdal asked the meat executive about his thoughts on plant-based proteins, Hayes responded, “Yeah, I love it.” Last year, Tyson made a sizeable investment in vegan company Beyond Meat to stay competitive amidst the booming plant-based protein industry. “We're also looking at anything that consumers want,” Hayes said, “as well as can be an affordable, sustainable technology … to help feed the world on a sustainable basis. So, absolutely, plant protein, very excited about it.” In addition to Hayes, several top executives—including PepsiCo senior director of research and development Tim Ingmire and Hormel CEO James Snee—have stated in recent months that they intend to add more plant-based foods to their portfolios to keep up with shifting consumer habits.